Harmonica

Many a good harmonica player has blasted away at one of our jam nights and are still playing in bands formed via the club today, so for all our harpin' friends out there we have provided harmonica resources, a small selection of free harmonica tabs and lessons, Books for beginner to intermediate level and of course links to great harmonica sites.

For those unfamiliar with the Harmonica it is a small handheld instrument made of metal that is played by blowing and sucking air through small holes containing a number of fine reeds that move back and forth. This vibrates the reeds inside producing a variety of notes and sounds.

A Chromatic Harmonica has two sets of reeds that are tuned to a diatonic scale of C major and C sharp major, when one scale is in use, a spring device activated by a button blocks off the other scale. The harmonica's range varies from 3 to 4 octaves depending on it's size and can be purchased in different keys.

Events & Broadcasts

Band On The Wall Harmonica CoursesCelebrate all things Harmonica in Manchester by participating in one of the courses provided which include talks on how to play in every style, from beginners to advanced level.

Blue Tongue HarmonicaA web site dedicated to all harmonica and blues harp needs including harmonica lessons,music,tablature and instruction manuals. Blue Tongue is running beginner harmonica workshops all over Australia.

Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival"Hundreds of harmonica players and thousands of spectators gather each year to play and listen to every form of music conceivable... From classical to blues, bluegrass to rock, traditional to jazz, it's all there and being played by some of the finest amateur (and a few professional) harmonica players in the world!"

ORGANISATIONS & CLUBS

Gateway Harmonica ClubGHC was organized in 1987 for the purpose of preserving and advancing the playing of harmonica music in the Greater St. Louis, Missouri (USA) area. In the period since its founding, the club has provided not only fellowship, learning and enjoyment for its members, but also a source of entertainment and cheer for audiences both young and old.

National Harmonica League UKBritain's national harmonica club, run by volunteers with members world wide, supporting and encouraging the playing of all types of music on harmonicas by organising events and workshops plus produce a bi-monthly magazine 'Harmonica World'. Excellent list of open jams and harmonica workshops available at the website.

SPAHSociety for the Protection & Advancement of the Harmonica the national institution for the harmonica.

MISCELLANEOUS

Harpsoft Harmonica Game CoGrab a free trial download of the Bendometer Playing System! Use a computer to play & learn the harmonica with software that includes a Music Game (blast asteroids with harmonica) & Harmonica Tuner (see the notes you play). Site includes tabulature and info on their android app.